How to Apply for Japan's Manufacturing Industry: Salaries, Top Firms and More!

Written by: Nadira Annisa | Published: 28th January 2020

About the Manufacturing Industry in Japan

Manufacturing is one of the biggest industries in Japan, making up almost 28% of Japan’s GDP as of 2012. It is no surprise that currently, Japan is the third largest manufacturer of vehicles in the world, producing 9,278,321 in 2015.

Other large manufacturing industries include but are not limited to; shipbuilding, robotics, machine tools, steel, textiles, chemicals, and electronics. Here we have a list of manufacturing jobs in Japan, as well as Japan’s top 5 biggest manufacturing companies, their salaries, locations, as well as how to get a job or an internship there.

Jobs in Manufacturing

Engineers and Technicians

Jobs as engineers and technicians in the industry focus on the technical aspects of manufacturing. Some tasks include researching, designing, developing, building, testing, and inspecting mechanical devices as an engineer, and for technicians, they will be expected to do inspect, test, calibrate, and repair devices. Companies in Japan often require someone who has a related degree in Engineering or someone who has prior experience as an engineer or technician.

Operators

As operators of machinery or some of the technology being used in factories, one of the required skills is being able to read technical drawings and calibrate the machine to manufacture the desired product to specifications. Therefore, because of the high level of knowledge required, Japanese companies often look for someone with prior practical experience with the types of machinery and technology a company uses, or someone with the relevant educational background.

Business and Sales

Employees in the business and sales department of a manufacturing company may spend more time in an office rather than at the manufacturing plant, however, their job still requires deep knowledge of the company's products and the processes in making them, on top of having good communication skills to help them land sales deals or talk to clients.

Manufacturing Hubs in Japan

Manufacturing locations in Japan are also not centered in just one place. The Tohoku area is focused on Renewable energy, while the Chubu area, particularly in Nagoya,  is the home to the automotive manufacturing of Toyota. And last but not least in the Shikoku Area they contribute to the Agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture. Be prepared to live in these areas if you’re looking for a career in manufacturing.

Top Manufacturing Companies in Japan

Sony Corporation

Sony or ソニー株式会社, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation that has its headquarters located in Konan, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company itself has a diversified business and includes, gaming, electronics, entertainment, and also financial services. Sony currently also owns the biggest video game console business and one of the leading manufacturers of electronic products for both consumers and professionals. Currently Sony is the fifth largest television manufacturer in the world after Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense. 

Sony Company Information and Salaries

For employment and internship opportunities with Sony, you can check out their recruiting page here.

Panasonic Corporation

Panasonic or パナソニック株式会社, is also another Japanese multinational corporation. Panasonic is a multinational electronic corporation that is headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan. The company was first known as a lightbulb socket producer, but now has grown to become one of Japan’s largest electronic manufacturers alongside Toshiba, Hitachi, and Sony. In 2012’s market share, Panasonic was also the fourth largest television manufacturer in the world.

Panasonic Company Information and Salaries

For employment and internship opportunities with Panasonic, you can check out their recruiting page here.

Nissan

Nissan or 日産自動車株式会社, or its official name Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese Multinational automobile manufacturer. Nissan’s headquarters is located in Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Nissan was first founded in 1933, and was originally called Datsun. Nissan is one of the world’s largest automakers along with other brands such as Toyota and Hyundai.

For employment opportunities with Nissan, you can check out their recruiting page here, and for internship internship programs you can read about it here.

Honda

Honda or 本田技研工業株式会社, or also known by its official name Honda Motor Company, is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate company. Its mostly well known as a manufacturer for automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.

Not only that since 1953, Honda has also been involved in development intelligence/robotics research and released their ASIMO robot in 2000.  of Honda’s headquarters currently is also located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.

For employment and internship opportunities with Honda, you can check out their recruiting page here.

Toyota

Toyota or トヨタ自動車株式会社, and also known by its official name as Toyota Motor Corporation, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer. Its headquarters is located in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. Toyota is currently the second largest automobile manufacturer after Volkswagen. Toyota was also one of the first manufacturer to produce more than 10 million vehicles per year ever since 2012.

For employment opportunities with Toyota, you can check out their recruiting page here, and for internship internship programs you can read about it here.

How to find jobs in manufacturing in Japan

To get a job in these gigantic multinational manufacturing companies in Japan, you can find links in each of their official Japanese websites. Their websites will list requirements and also recruiting processes for new graduates to find a job.

You can also apply to these companies through job fairs like Job Haku. Panasonic is one of many companies attending.

Final words of advice

Now that you know just a little bit more about the manufacturing industry of Japan, we hope you will feel more ready to send those applications. Remember, nothing beats being prepared and doing your research beforehand! This will help you stand out and show your desire to work for these companies.